Aid Pouring In To Benefit Burned Teen

Touched by the plight of the Deerfield Beach teenager who was recently surrounded by schoolmates and set on fire, donors continue to come forward to support Michael Brewer and his family.

In one night last week, patrons and staff at Galuppi's in Pompano Beach raised more than $10,000 for the fund set up by Neighbors 4 Neighbors. Organizers of that event said it would seem minor compared with what they're planning for Nov. 21, when the restaurant will host a benefit featuring Miami Dolphins players and cheerleaders, along with silent auctions and raffles for sports memorabilia, Florida Panthers skybox tickets and the grand prize, a Norwegian Cruise Line cruise for two.

Joe Kessling, a Broward Sheriff's detective acting independently to organize the fundraiser, said he's lost sleep ever since hearing about what happened to Michael, a seventh-grader at Deerfield Beach Middle School. The last time he set his mind to fundraising, he helped raise $30,000 to send a dying firefighter on a trip to China.

Michael's great-aunt Patti Gendron said the 15-year-old's mother, Valerie Brewer, told her that she intends to send a thank-you note to everyone who has sent a donation to the family. "You're going to have to buy about 20,000 thank-you cards," Gendron quipped.

Valerie Brewer also is putting a scrapbook together to show her son how concern for his recovery has extended beyond South Florida.

Michael remains in critical condition at Jackson Memorial Hospital's Burn Center in Miami. The five teenagers accused of accosting him on Oct. 12 at an apartment complex, dousing him with rubbing alcohol and lighting him on fire are due in court Monday. Prosecutors are expected to request an extension to file formal charges on Nov. 11.

Keeping track of the donations hasn't been easy. Shortly after the incident, a family friend set up a "Michael Brewer Foundation" account at Bank of America, which quickly collected several thousand dollars.

That money, according to the family, can only go toward medical bills. The family soon redirected donations to Neighbors 4 Neighbors, a charity operated by WFOR-Ch. 4. The fund, said Neighbors 4 Neighbors Executive Director Lynne Cameron, permits more spending flexibility and is overseen by an established charity.

"These donations are going toward the kinds of things that don't get paid for" with insurance money, Cameron said.

INFORMATIONAL BOX:

Upcoming benefits

Firehouse Subs is collecting money at its 13 South Florida locations through today.

CJ's Draft House at 1825 W. Hillsboro Blvd. in Deerfield Beach is hosting a family-themed fundraiser Saturday from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.

The American Veterans Post 1939 at 1448 N. State Road 7 in Margate will host a fundraiser Saturday starting at 1 p.m.

The Road Warriors First Inaugural Poker Run is scheduled for Nov. 15 at 10:15 a.m. starting in Doral. For information, call 754-245-1516.